2022 Lexus NX vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned with a focus on design, offered a range of models including the NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, stood out with its distinctive Lexus spindle grille and refined styling details reminiscent of the Lexus IS sports sedan. The SUV was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more passenger and cargo space. The interior featured a minimalist design with NuLuxe simulated leather upholstery, and the F Sport variant added sporty elements like a unique mesh-pattern grille and sport-bolstered seats. However, the decluttered dashboard, with many functions integrated into the touchscreen, sometimes made it challenging for drivers to quickly locate features.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a blend of subtle seductiveness and ruggedness, with its blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield. The exterior design elements, including blistered fender swells and oversized air intakes, combined with a standard black grille and available 20-inch alloy wheels, created an appealing look. The interior featured a driver-focused design with quality materials and a mix of analog and digital gauges. The CX-50 offered a comfortable cabin with heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a spacious back seat. However, storage space was somewhat limited, and the infotainment system's user interface was occasionally frustrating.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions, with the NX 350h hybrid producing 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivering 302 horsepower. The NX 350, with its turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, generated 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. The F Sport variant added adaptive variable sports suspension and performance dampers, enhancing its sporty character. However, the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of its German rivals, and the NX's off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options, with the base model featuring a 187 hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and the GT Turbo trim boasting a turbocharged version producing up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine provided smooth acceleration and increased towing capacity. Mazda's Mi-Drive system offered various driving modes, but the differences between them were subtle. The CX-50's ride quality was firmer than the CX-5, and it displayed some torque steer during acceleration. Despite its higher ground clearance, the CX-50's off-road capabilities were limited compared to Subaru's Wilderness models.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a comfortable interior with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and padded surfaces for added comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space, and the panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat. The NX offered 643 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,328 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel, making it well-suited for winter conditions. The back seat was spacious, and the rear doors opened wide for easy access. The CX-50 offered 889 litres of cargo space, with a maximum of 1,595 litres when the rear seats were folded. However, the load floor was narrow between the wheel wells, limiting its practicality.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10-speaker sound system, and an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson system. The Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems allowed for natural voice commands, and the NX offered a range of connected services and digital key capability. However, the touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with a Mazda Connect infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's user interface was occasionally frustrating, but Mazda introduced touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. The CX-50 also featured an Active Driving Display, projecting data within the driver's line of sight.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features such as lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also offered a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist technology.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with some headlight configurations falling short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation. The CX-50 offered a generous standard package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting into the gap ahead.